Dynamic Devices Technician

As the nation’s first statewide, “transmission only” company, VELCO manages the safe, reliable, cost-effective transmission of electric power throughout Vermont and as a part of the integrated New England regional network.

Why you should join our team

This is the perfect role for an early-career Engineer looking for a hands-on, technical opportunity. Most of the work will be in the field and based out of the Highgate, Vermont area.

VELCO has four Dynamic Device Technician classes, with new employees initially assigned and then moving through the career ladder based on experience and ability:

Class	Requirements	Typical Time to Promotion
4	Work under the direct supervision of a senior tech when at a facility Learn VELCO policies and work practices Support development of incident reports	1 to 2 Year
3	Ability to read electrical drawings Conduct specific inspections independently, as deemed acceptable by senior personnel Ability to safely use test equipment under direct supervision of a Senior Dynamic Device Lead Ability to remove equipment from service safely and reliably with supervision from a Senior Dynamic Device Lead Respond to call outs and troubleshoot problems	2 to 4 Years
2	Qualified Switchmen Ability to remove and test equipment with limited supervision Ability to be the lead for system protection technicians and substation electricians for small projects Develop technical procedures	4 to 6 Years
1	Ability to be assigned as the lead technician for larger projects Perform testing in the field with no supervision Qualified Tag Holder	6 + depending on skill level

How you will make an impact

The Dynamic Device Technician will install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair critical protection and control systems at VELCO Dynamic Device facilities throughout Vermont.

• While primarily based in the Highgate, VT area, this position requires support of all VELCO Dynamic Device facilities throughout Vermont so must have and maintain a valid Vermont driver’s license.
• Duties will require periodic overtime and overnight travel. Required to carry a pager and respond to off-duty trouble calls.
• Must be able to maintain fast pace while completing complex work, with competing priorities, within tight timelines and with frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to work at elevated heights and to lift/carry/pull up to 50 pounds regularly, higher amounts occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Support all annual outages for maintenance working with System Protection and Asset Maintenance personnel.
• Assist in on all service and warranty issues with vendors.
• Recommend and assist in implementing capital upgrade working with the supervisors of System Protection and Asset Maintenance.
• Responsible for consistent incident reporting documentation that will be used by all technicians as required.
• Support VELCO technician’s at all dynamic device facilities.
• Ensure all inventory is accounted for and identified as needed.
• Perform or lead others in the installation, commissioning, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of critical protection and control systems, with emphasis on quality assurance for the following systems or equipment:
• Digital protective relay and data channels via fiber optics, microwave, and telecommunications carriers
• Control systems, logic controllers, operating systems via serial and networked communications
• Support of HVDC and FACTS systems and facilities
• Cooling systems, motors and pneumatic systems

a. Relays, relay and control systems, and high-speed communication-assisted relay schemes (electro-mechanical, solid state, and microprocessor-based)

b. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems

c. Power line carrier equipment

d. high speed protective relay channels via fiber optics and telecommunications carriers

g. System performance monitoring equipment (fault recorders, SERs, and power quality monitors)

h. Instrumentation and monitoring equipment, analog and digital (annunciators, panel meters, power equipment gauges, intrusion alarm systems, etc.)

i. Revenue metering and ancillary devices at interconnection tie points

j. Power supply systems (station batteries and battery chargers, station generators, AC station service, and UPS systems)

k. High voltage power equipment (power and instrument transformers, circuit breakers and switches, capacitor banks, reactors and other primary equipment)

• Assist Engineering personnel in reviewing and developing detailed drawing packages and cutover documentation as needed to modify circuitry for various upgrades and improvements. Also, assist in performing administrative and technical tasks as assigned.
• With guidance from design personnel, develop functional test procedures in order to certify dependable and secure operation of equipment and systems.
• Working in concert with Engineering personnel and the outage coordinator(s), develop system switching sequences necessary to safely perform commissioning, maintenance and repair work on the high voltage transmission system.
• Must maintain an awareness of and comply with all company and VOSHA safety requirements.

Who you are

An Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering required. A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology with a focus on power systems is preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of electromechanical, solid state and microprocessor technology is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills

• Analytical Troubleshooting of Electrical Systems
• Power Electronics (Thyristor based and other)
• Control Systems (Platform based, PLC based and SCADA)
• Protections Systems (microprocessor based)
• System performance monitoring equipment
• Fault Analysis (AC and DC Systems)
• Cooling Systems (Pumps, Motors and Controls)
• HVAC Systems
• Power Supply Systems (Station Batteries and chargers, station generators, and AVR and UPS systems)
• Fire Systems (Suppressions, Aspiration and General)
• Must demonstrate computer literacy and ability to learn new computer programs.

Important Considerations

• VELCO is headquartered in Rutland, Vermont.

• Must be able convey complex information in writing, verbally and by demonstration, perform typical administrative functions such as keyboarding, work additional hours when necessary.

• Duties will require periodic overnight travel.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds regularly, higher amounts occasionally.
• Must be able to respond to off-duty calls, particularly in the event of system emergencies, prolonged equipment and/or customer outages.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
• Starting pay will be determined at the time of offer based on the experience, education, and training of the successful candidate.
• Eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

• VELCO is handling all aspects of talent acquisition internally and will not engage the services of third-party staffing agencies, recruiters, or headhunters. We kindly request that these entities refrain from contacting us.

• Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful reference check, background check (including social media check), physical examination, drug screening.

• If you need an accommodation as part of the application or interview process please send a request to careers@velco